Watch the Weather!, Memorial Day, Council and Much More!

*****More Weather?*****

Generally, we are experiencing regular Texas Hill Country weather!  Our rain totals have been a little above average so far this year.  Memorial Day weekend is coming up and rain is forecast.  In case you're new to the are, Memorial Day weekend is notorious for rain and floods, so keep your eye's to the skies!

*****Memorial Day*****

Originally known as Decoration Day, started in the years following the Civil War and eventually became an official federal holiday in 1971.  It's a day to remember our fallen hero's - those that served to ensure our nation's freedom.

Flags, Click to enlarge

Take some time today to remember our hero's, the military has been a big part of Lakeway.  Some of your neighbors served, we have those in our community that have lost loved ones to war and others that are still fighting disabilities incurred from their heroism.

Flags, click to enlarge

In this time of health concerns, the regular ceremonies have been canceled.  That being said, the City has stepped up  and has lined our main streets with flags to show appreciation for those that have served our country.

I'm told there will be a special video that will be available Monday - I'll post that when it comes out.

*****Helping Our Community*****

As some of you know, I am a Director of Austin Telco Federal Credit Union.  We are working to make a difference in the community in this time of the COVID pandemic.  We are part of a campaign to help both the Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas.  We are matching all contributions through these links up to $5000.00 - Here is a link to the donation pages.  If you are able, please make a donation - every dollar counts!

*****Pandemic*****

All the info is available on the Texas Website - I suggest you get your information straight from the source.  Here's a link to the Travis County information.  It looks like many businesses are starting to open slowly.  We've been to some local restaurants and have had good experiences.  Check them out - some will require reservations to ensure social distancing.  Be safe out there and I look forward to getting back to the new normal.

It appears the July 4th festivities have been cancelled.  Although the inside activities could be an issue, I'm not sure the parade would have been a problem.  It's time we get back to more of a normal existence!

*****Council Results?*****

Council met in regular session Monday evening.  Here is the agenda for that meeting and here is a link to the video.  Hopefully now that everything is opening, we will be back to an in person meeting.

3) Council members were sworn in via teleconference...

4)  Laurie Higginbotham was sworn in for another term as Mayor Pro Tem.  Historically this was rotated among the members - mostly by seniority.  Another change.

5-11)  Consent agenda and financial report.

12)  Financial impact of pandemic.  Although some revenues are down, not as bad as expected.  This is historically 2 months behind so the real status will come next month and the month after.

13)  Discussion of new fees and permits for special events.  Council wants to implement permits and fees for special events like parade and special neighborhood functions.  No action was taken but much discussion and sent back to incorporate discussion items.

14)  Hotel Tax and Economic Recovery - discussion on ways to use the Hotel Tax and other economic ideas.  Can't use the HOT fund except as State law prescribes - talk about reducing the city restrictions on spending (must be matched).  No action taken.

Infamous Executive Sessions:

16)  Legal issues relating to Oaks PUD / Stratus Properties

17)  Legal issues relating to Highlands / rough Hollow

18)  Project Granite

19)  Creation of Full-Time Emergency Management Position

20)  Legal issues relating to an annexation in 2014? Bee Creek

21)  Legal issues relating to SH 620 Widening Project Deferment

22)  Legal issues relating to Distribution of Relief Fund Allocations?

23)  Legal issues pertaining to COVID-19 Case management data.

Well, the meeting was adjourned about midnight.  No action was taken on any Executive Session item.  They spent about as much time in closed session as they did in the open meeting.

Most of these have been discussed for some time - what's the big secret?  I know in my time on council, a majority of meetings had no Executive Session and if we did it was a specific issue on a law suit or personnel issue.  There were 8 Executive Session items on this agenda - again, no action was taken.  

Last time action was taken was to authorize the mayor to sign the MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the YMCA. No debate or information on the subject, just a motion, second and vote.  The YMCA came and gave a presentation to the council about a year ago, they've been meeting on it ever since in private.  I've requested this MOU on a Open Records Request but they don't have time to produce it.

*****Church Update*****

The Sanctuary is moving ahead!  Here's today's pictures of the construction.  Enjoy!

I also was asked to take pictures of the Airpark for their new website.  Here's a couple.  Click to enlarge!

That's about all for today!  I hope everyone will enjoy the Memorial Day Holiday.  Be safe out there and let me know if you need any pictures!  Sky Pictures

If you want to be added to my email list, please send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get it done.  If you have any comments or questions please feel free to email me!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us